Ntshavheni wants citizens to behave amid greylisting guests’ visit
by Mathipa Phishego
South Africans are being encouraged to put their best foot forward as the country prepares for a high-profile foreign inspection. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency in charge of state security, has issued a sharp reminder to citizens, “I hope South Africans will behave, visitors will be here.”
The “visitors” in question are from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog dedicated to tackling money laundering, corruption, and terrorism funding. The FATF team is slated to visit South Africa at the end of July to review the country’s progress in correcting key financial control deficiencies.
South Africa was greylisted by the FATF in 2023. Indicating international concern about the country’s weaknesses in stopping illicit money flows. Being on the greylist has had a substantial economic and reputational impact, including greater monitoring of South African transactions by global financial institutions.
Minister in the Presidency in charge of state security, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, briefing the media.
Image: Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on X
The FATF’s visit is critical in establishing whether the government has undertaken the reforms required for removal from the greylist. Key issues under consideration include the effectiveness of South Africa’s anti-money laundering framework, measures to combat corruption, and the country’s ability to identify and prevent terrorist financing.
Ntshavheni’s remarks, while light-hearted in tone, highlight the serious ramifications of the FATF’s conclusion. The visit’s outcome could have an impact on foreign investor confidence, international collaborations, and South African enterprises’ ability to operate abroad.
Being greylisted does not result in formal sanctions, but it may serve as a warning sign to investors and international institutions that a country’s financial systems may not be completely secure. If South Africa effectively addresses FATF concerns. The country might be removed from the greylist as early as 2026.